Reviews of Apartment Rental in Farmhouse Near Cortona with Views
Adriana 3
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Customer Reviews
Overall:
Adriana 3 was everything we were looking for, it was the perfect home base for our vacation. The apartment was clean and comfortable and much prettier than I'd expected from the pictures. Additionally, the owners were lovely and friendly. I'd really like to go back in the future!
Enjoyed Most:
The location was ideal. We were isolated enough that it was very peaceful and quiet but it was just a mile to walk into Cortona for dinner.
Unpleasant Surprises:
I wish there had been more light.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Cortona was about a mile away, the walk was uphill but not terribly taxing. We walked into town for dinner most nights.
Tips or Restaurants:
We ate in several of Cortona's restaurants and our favorite BY FAR was Fuflun's. We were blown away by the freshness and quality of the ingredients, we ate there twice and every component of the meal was excellent each time. I highly recommend it to anyone!
Leslee, May, 2011
Overall:
A central location to stay in the Tuscany region. Pleasant place to stay, and the view was spectacular. Small, but nicely updated and clean. Cold, would have been nice to have a little heat in the evenings.
Enjoyed Most:
Clean, modern kitchen and bathroom, central location.
The bed was large and most comfortable!
Unpleasant Surprises:
No heat, and no English TV channels - no news.
Surrounding Area:
Spectacular views and local culture.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Cortona would have been walking distance if the hill was not so steep. The car was the only option for us.
Tips or Restaurants:
Kitchen is well enough stocked that you could do some cooking, to avoid eating all meals in restaurants. Restaurant meals were very boring - only Italian food - Pizza, Panini, and Pasta in Italy. No option to go for Chinese or Mexican for a change of pace! If you don't bring books or magazines in English, a deck of cards would be handy. We did some crossword puzzles and read at siesta time. Restaurants not open for dinner until at least 7:30 pm.
Beverly, April, 2011
Overall:
I enjoyed it tremendously.
Enjoyed Most:
The scenic view.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The bathroom and television.
Surrounding Area:
THe location to Cortona.
Tips or Restaurants:
Bring a converter, extra toilet paper and small DVD player.
Joel, November, 2010
Overall:
My overall experience was unmatched. I have never had such a terrific trip in my life and this property was one of the major contributors.
Enjoyed Most:
I liked the quaint location. And the very serious peace and quiet that came with its location.
Unpleasant Surprises:
It was cold in there, but I knew that it would be as I went knowing I would be spending the last two weeks before they turned on their heat.
Surrounding Area:
The surrounding area! The walk up to town. The unmatched views of Camucia below and Cortona above. The weather was perfect everyday!
Nearby Events or Locales:
Cortona was the nearest small town and for a 27 year old who loves a little uphill climb to start off his day,it was very walkable.
Tips or Restaurants:
No suggestions of what to bring other than if you decide to go Late October, bring layers in your clothing. Otherwise, the Rentvillas checklist is perfect and the villa itself is quite stocked with everything you might need right away. And, if I may, try as many of the restaurants as you can in Cortona. They are all unique and unbelievably delicious and the price is right at all of them. My favorites included Preludio, Tuscher, and Il Loggetto. And my absolute favorite was Osteria del Teatro. The food is all homemade, even their chocolate. My favorite was their Ribollita soup and their Tagliatelle con Funghi Porcini. I had dreams about their Ribollita! Also, they have two waiters there who couldn't have been more charming or welcoming.
Check In Out:
They are very sweet people and check-in check-out was extremely smooth.
John, October, 2010
Overall:
Very good.
Enjoyed Most:
Access to hill towns.
Unpleasant Surprises:
No complaints.
Surrounding Area:
Convenience and views.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Cortona.
Tips or Restaurants:
We used the restaurants finds on the RentVillas site and they were accurate.
Mary Ella , October, 2010
Overall:
Good.
Enjoyed Most:
Good views, remote.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Rather dark inside. We had a car, which was necessary.
Surrounding Area:
Beautiful area, lots of interesting things to see and good restaurants
Nearby Events or Locales:
Cortona. Apparently was within walking distance. Up a hill. On a busy road. We never tried it.
Tips or Restaurants:
Despite other comments, we found most stuff there, except for a kettle. They assume you drink coffee. If you are a tea drinker, you will have to boil water in a saucepan. If you arrive late Saturday or on Sunday, shop before you get there. And bring matches.
Directions:
The road down to the cottage is not necessarily easy to find, particularly in the dark. As you come into Cortona, go past the large car park and it is the first very sharp turn to the left.
John, March, 2010
Overall:
It was our first trip to Italy and loved it. I would do the same trip over again and try to slow down a bit more.
Enjoyed Most:
The owners. The location close to Cortona. We got to know the folks staying downstairs and that added to our experience.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The kitchen was really small but certainly better than staying at a hotel room. It was hard to get food as there are no grocery stores in Cortona.
Surrounding Area:
That is was so old. And scenic.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Cortona was just a bit far for it to be convenient. But it was nice not to have to drive.
Peter, October, 2009
Overall:
It was beautiful.
Enjoyed Most:
Location on the mountain and close proximity to Cortona.
Unpleasant Surprises:
You can't get away from the uphill.
Surrounding Area:
The wine country, and close proximity to other interesting towns.
Tips or Restaurants:
Bar 500 in Cortona. Emma is the owner. Order the Bruschetta and the mixed meat and cheese tray.
Check In Out:
The owners were fabulous.
john, September, 2009
Overall:
Good
Enjoyed Most:
Peace and quiet.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Shower had poor drainage.
Surrounding Area:
Peaceful area and great views.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Cortona - although advertised as being within walking distance it was not unless you are extremely athletic.
Tips or Restaurants:
Bring along a decent cork screw. Bring along your own music - no CD player supplied. We took an iPod and docking station.
We mostly cooked in the villa to avoid the high restaurant prices. There is a great little pizza house in Cortona which sells slices of pizza quite cheap - great for lunch.
Hardly any coat hangers supplied - bring some of your own.
Directions:
Unfortunately we had purchased a road map which did not give us enough detail and in hindsight wished we had purchased a GPS as Italy was very difficult to get around due to poor sign postage and road rules or lack of abidance
Helen, May, 2009
Overall:
We loved it. The fireplace MADE it.
Enjoyed Most:
Coziness, view, fireplace.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Small bathroom.
Surrounding Area:
Walks to town.
Nearby Events or Locales:
You could walk to Cortona.
Tips or Restaurants:
Buy toilet paper. That's it! Really.
Tamara, March, 2009
Overall:
Cortona is a fantastic city,as well all Toscana region. Our experience was excellent.
Enjoyed Most:
Peace and quiet.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Lack of skylight inside the house.
Surrounding Area:
Cortona is a very touristic city.
Tips or Restaurants:
Several good trattorias.
Directions:
The directions we received were clear.
Luiz, October, 2008
Overall:
The most wonderful vacation.It was peaceful,the views were amazing,the place was rustic and real..it exceeded our expectations.Could not have been better.
Enjoyed Most:
The views,the pool and the bocce ball area.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Loved everything!
Surrounding Area:
The views,the restaurants and the quaintness of the town.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Cortona...yes.
Tips or Restaurants:
Needed to have music..bring an ipod or something.
Directions:
We did use a GPS and that made everything very easy.
Erika, September, 2008
Overall:
We enjoyed our week. Obviously the scenery was fabulous. But spring was also just a lovely month to visit... with wild red poppies and purple iris blooming along the sides of the
roads and in the fields. To be wakened by birdsong in such a tranquil setting was delightful. Although steep, the walk into Cortona was really short and each bend up the hill gave us new stunning vistas. The town of Cortona was delightful and everything we needed to just enjoy the hillside charm of Tuscany.
Enjoyed Most:
It had a great location - you could walk into Cortona. Views from the garden of the surrounding countryside were beautiful. The key holders were so very helpful and even though they didn't speak much English, they helped us to feel welcome and relaxed. They are amazing people - with a truly lovely home.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The kitchen - no stove or microwave. But it was adequate for our week. We rented the upstairs apartment... so didn't have any panoramic views from our living room/ dining room, but if we stood and looked out of the other windows we did have great views, and lovely sunsets (from the small windows in kitchen and bathroom).
Surrounding Area:
Wonderful scenery...what was there not to like about it!
Nearby Events or Locales:
Cortona
Tips or Restaurants:
Buy toilet paper.
Richard And Marilyn, May, 2008
Overall:
Our overall experience was outstanding. The property was beautiful, the location was great, the owners were helpful and organized. It couldn't have gone better.
Enjoyed Most:
It was very quaint, and charming, and clean, and well-kept. The garden and grounds outside were beautiful, and the views were fantastic.
Unpleasant Surprises:
There is really nothing not to like. The kitchen area is tiny, so there is not a lot of counter space. It wouldn't be easy for someone who planned serious cooking, unless they got creative and used the table space for preparation.
But there is another apartment just below this one that has more space, I hear. I'm sure it is just as beautiful.
Surrounding Area:
There are many great Tuscan hill towns within reasonable driving distance.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Cortona was a 10 minute walk up a hill. It is a beautiful, well-maintained hill town with walls that date back to Etruscan times. It was nice to have the option of walking into town for dinner or breakfast rather than having to drive anywhere.
Tips or Restaurants:
Bar 500 in Cortona was a great coffee-pastry shop. Il Grotto, down a tiny alley off of the main piazza in Cortona, has great food and atmosphere.
Directions:
There are walls around the city and several entrances. One is called Porta Colonia and there will be a parking area near it. One has to get close enough to the city to be just next to the tall wall to find it.
Elizabeth , April, 2008
Overall:
Excellent - really enjoyed the stay.
Enjoyed Most:
Views, peace and charm.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Nothing to complain about.
Surrounding Area:
Great walks, easy reach of major cities - Florence, Siena.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Cortona - easy walking distance, but up hill.
Tips or Restaurants:
Many good restaurants, but Teatro was the star.
Tom, April, 2008
Overall:
For two 72 year-old people, a couple of 52 years with eight children, and 22 grandchildren, Adriana 3 provided a nice cozy venue to celebrate a honeymoon. Adriana 3 was a comfortable refuge from the worst of the weather. The landlords did an incredible job of introducing us to the details of the villa property, mechanics, laundry, gate, appliances etc. All in all it took about an hour using Italian language, none of which we understood. The landlord made sure we understood when he said IMPORTO, and that one word in common made all the difference in making the introduction and stay most workable and comfortable.
Enjoyed Most:
There was central heating! Cortona worked its magic, as a refuge to come home to in adverse weather, thanks to the comforts and surroundings of Adriana 3. Not to be overlooked was the shower stall, the largest we found in Greece and Italy, and its welcome hot water after a day of hill navigating by car and on foot in drizzle, wind and cold.
Tips or Restaurants:
The landlord made sure we understood the IMPORTO of locating the CO-OP supermarket in Camucia, the flat-lander town below Cortona for food shopping. He pointed out the white market building several hundred meters below us with the red letters COOP. I would add to this fine introduction to villa life the advice to Embrace Camucia, and all its parts as the practical part of living in the impractical attraction of Cortona. Learn the railroad for excursions to Assisi, and Fiorenze. These worthwhile destinations are no place for your car; parking is a nightmare in the best of circumstances and the railroad station in each destination has convenient and cheap public transport from their respective terminals. The Camucia Embrace includes, their post office, their Internet shops relatively inexpensive, Esso gasoline station with a copy of the Herald Tribune, and Financial Times. Use your camera in Cortona; use your wallet in Camucia.
Larry, October, 2007
Enjoyed Most:
It's location and the lovely owners!
Surrounding Area:
Everything was in easy reach - but it did mean you had to walk there, which was good.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Cortona
Tips or Restaurants:
Take a bottle opener.
Colin, September, 2007
Overall:
It was so authentically Italian.
Enjoyed Most:
Everything about the property exceeded anything we could have expected. Elisabetta was an angel. So nice, and spoke perfect English to boot.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Traffic on the street immediately adjacent to the property was quite loud into the wee hours.
Surrounding Area:
It was just so beautiful. The olive tree orchards, the old Italian houses, the church bells. Cortona was totally convenient to all of Tuscany - provided of course that you had a rental car, as we did.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Cortona. It was an easy 10 minute uphill walk. Downhill coming back though.
Tips or Restaurants:
Eating at the villa was a pleasure. Local foods were convenient at the Coop store in Camucia. Our hosts also provided fresh garden veggies!
David, June, 2007
Overall:
The owners were very friendly. Lovely place to stay.
Enjoyed Most:
Very authentic, cozy and romantic. Nice feeling of seclusion and great views. Nice flowers and they had a wonderful aroma coming into the villa. Lots of pretty rosemary.
Unpleasant Surprises:
There was a road next to the property that many people use as a shortcut out of town, so there is a fair amount of traffic noise. Early crowing rooster.
Surrounding Area:
It was very easy to get to the highway and explore. Town was close and many nice villages nearby.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Cortona. Not really very good to walk to as it was all uphill for over a half mile to get into town.
Tips or Restaurants:
All of the restaurants in Cortona were wonderful. Many to choose from. La Loggiato in the main square had the best food. Had a great meal at the Grotto.
we wish we had brought a night light. Also, we needed extra toilet paper. The kitchen supplies were good. Villas tend to give you only about two towels for the week, so I bring an extra old towel from home that I throw away. Because of the road, earplugs helped.
William, June, 2007
Overall:
I loved the pool and being able to make our meals at the end of the day.
Enjoyed Most:
The pool is great. I love the screens on the windows, but one was broken. It would also be nice if they can put them on the windows in the kitchen and bathroom so that you can open the windows without concern for bugs. Overall we liked the place's charm and we weren't expecting 5 star accommodations.
Surrounding Area:
I love the location because it was closely located to major highways and a lake.
Nearby Events or Locales:
We enjoyed our walks into Cortona. It was a little steep but then all that area is and we didn't mind. It only took us 10 minutes to walk into town.
Tips or Restaurants:
I bought and left a hairdryer in Adrianna 3, so I hope they keep it in the Villas for others to use. I strongly recommend visiting the COOP. If you need more things, there is a much larger COOP in Arezzo. Once you get into town there are signs to the store.
Venus, May, 2007
Overall:
Lovely, quaint place. This was our third time using Rentvillas and we were not disappointed. While this place is not 'as fancy' as other places we have rented, it was charming and, because of reading the great reviews, we knew that the kitchen would be small. I felt it was an excellent value and enjoyed being within walking distance to town. We were there in October, so can't comment on the pool.
Enjoyed Most:
It's proximity to Cortona -- only a 10-minute walk to the town walls.
The king-size bed was very comfortable. There was plenty of closet-dresser space, too. Loved the stone walls and antique furniture.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The rooster who crowed VERY early EVERY the morning. Earplugs solved that issue and besides 'him,' it was very peaceful.
Would've like to have been allowed to use the fireplace, as it was a bit chilly the first two days we were there in late October. Also, would've liked to have CNN available on the TV, as it was very quiet and there were no English-speaking TV stations. A radio would be nice to have, too.
Other reviews commented on how small the kitchen is - 4-burner stove top and small fridge - but for the two of us, it worked fine for breakfasts and easy dinners of pasta.
Surrounding Area:
Easy access to main roads and to numerous hill towns -- Orvieto, Todi, etc.
Beautiful countryside, fun winding roads, plenty of restaurants, lovely churches, etc.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Cortona was a 10-minute walk up hill. It's a rather steep walk, but then going home only takes 5 minutes!
Camucia - not within walking distance - is at the bottom of the hill and has grocery stores, gas stations, railroad station, etc.
Tips or Restaurants:
I would highly advise having a car if staying here. Make sure to bring a hair dryer, if you use one. Watch the hot water -- it gets hot very fast. I would NOT recommend this place for more than 1 couple. There is a pull out sofa, but then it would be really cramped.
There is Co-op grocery store, down the hill, on the main road going towards Arezzo. They had everything we needed to buy.
Enjoyed a nice dinner at La Grotta, in Cortona. Had a fabulous lunch at Cavour in Todi.
Lori, October, 2006
Enjoyed Most:
It had fantastic views. Set in a beautiful area next to Cotona which is a great center for a holiday.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The kitchen was extremely small and only one ring was working on the hob. The settee in the lounge needs replacing.
Surrounding Area:
Everything
Nearby Events or Locales:
Cortona - it could be reached on foot but it is up a very steep road.
Tips or Restaurants:
The venue is great. The restuarants in Cortona are to be recommended, especially the one overlooking the main square
Steve , September, 2006
Overall:
The owner was very nice and friendly. We had a fantastic time. Next time i might want to rent the larger apartment to be able to cook some dinner. We will definitely be back.
Enjoyed Most:
The bedroom, the outdoor, the proximity from Cortona.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The kitchen was very small, and the equipment was pretty basic.
Surrounding Area:
The table outside for our lunch, the longing chair near the swimming pool
Nearby Events or Locales:
Cortona, walking distance was about 20minutes.
Tips or Restaurants:
La Buccacia restaurant in Cortona. Best restaurant in town. The owner, Romano, is really nice and his wife, Agostina, is a great chef. The restaurant inside is beautiful and the wine list is most interesting in the downtown of Cortona.
Things to bring: a radio for music, an alarm for the last day
Vincent, May, 2006
Overall:
We recommend this as a life expanding experience.
Enjoyed Most:
For the two of us this property was an ideal getaway with an expansive outdoor area with olive trees, garden, beautiful landscaping, even rosemary growing just outside which we used in cooking. It was a place we loved to come home to at the end of the day. We were never concerned about security. The remote control on our keys opened and closed our gate, and the door locks were secure. What especially impressed us was our landlord who treated us like old friends or even cousins. They were extremely helpful and accommodating far beyond what would normally be expected. They are a truly lovable family.
Unpleasant Surprises:
We had to go to the store and purchase a corkscrew----big deal! Actually there was nothing we didn't like.
Surrounding Area:
Total Tuscany! This is ancient and medieval Italy at it's best. The property is located on the slope of a high hill at the top of which is the city of Cortona, which is the location of the home of the author of Under the Tuscan Sun. What more can I say?
Nearby Events or Locales:
Cortona up, Camucia down. Both in walking distance but steep both ways. You need to be in good physical condition. Otherwise---drive.
Tips or Restaurants:
Bring a small hand-held compass for exploring the region because you can get a little disoriented. It also helps if you can speak some Italian or find some young Italian who can speak some English to help purchase train tickets Camucia has only automated ticket sales - in Italian. All the restaurants were good. Experimenting is what we like to do.
Directions:
Try to arrive in daylight. Watch out for fog.
Irl, November, 2005
Enjoyed Most:
What I liked most was the beautiful setting and the rustic look and feel of the place. There were several outdoor seating areas to help take advantage of the pretty grounds. In the evenings we could sit in the garden or near the pool and watch the red sun setting over the horizon. The owners are very friendly and welcoming.
Unpleasant Surprises:
We were in Tuscany during the height of summer and most days the temperature reached over 30 degrees Celsius. So the room, being upstairs, tended to get very hot and it stayed that way during the night. I think a fan of some sort would have helped us sleep better.
Surrounding Area:
Cortona really is a beautiful little town and very well located as a base for exploring Tuscany and Umbria. We really enjoyed day trips to Siena, Montepulciano, Pienza and Assisi. The food and wine were also a highlight!
Nearby Events or Locales:
The villa is on the slopes of the stunning hilltop town of Cortona. It is a short 10-minute, but steep walk to the town centre, or you can drive a bit closer. We ate at four different restaurants in the town and liked them all.
Tips or Restaurants:
Our favourite restaurant was Botteglia D'Oste.
On another note, remember to pack some insect repellent.
Maria, June, 2005
Enjoyed Most:
The landlords were fantastic, helpful, charming, enthusiastic every time we were with them. They made our trip special. The view and grounds were very beautiful and comfortable, and the location within a 15-minute walk of Cortona was great.
Unpleasant Surprises:
This apartment is on the 3rd floor, right under the roof, and it feels a little like being in the attic. And it does get a little warm up there. A fan would help. Then again, the views from the windows were fantastic.
Surrounding Area:
Cortona - charming village with wonderful shops and restaurants, and very nice people. Great walking and hiking in and around the village
Tips or Restaurants:
A fan. We enjoyed all 3 restaurants we went to Cafe degli Artisti, La Grotta and best of all, Il Cacciatore. The hike to the hermitage, Le Celle, just outside Cortona made for a very special day. It was suggested by our landlords.
Peter, June, 2005
Overall:
The grounds and location of the property exceeded our expectations. The picture on the web does not do it justice. Grounds are lovely. Views are spectacular. Very pleasant to sit outside and have dinner while the sun sets. The pool was better than we expected.
Enjoyed Most:
The grounds surrounding the house and the pool are wonderful. Great views. Very relaxing atmosphere. Many nice opportunities to walk and explore Cortona.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The kitchen in the apartment may not be adequate for someone wanting to do significant cooking. We were part of a 3-couple party. The other two couples rented one of the adjoining apartments. Jointly using the kitchen with the adjoining apartment made it very workable.
Neighborhood roosters and dogs get up early. For those used to sleeping late this might be a problem.
Surrounding Area:
Cortona is great and very accessible. While the walk to Cortona is a 10 to 15 minute walk up a steep hill, for those used to walking or hiking it is not a problem. It is easy to visit other cities in Tuscany and Umbria. Day trips to Florence, Assisi and Orvieto are quite easy to do.
Tips or Restaurants:
Great restaurants all around. Ask the proprietors. They were very helpful.
The units were very well furnished with the basics. Dishes, pots and pans were sufficient. Laundry was very convenient.
Thomas E., July, 2004
Overall:
We thought it was wonderful. It was basic, not amazing decor, but good for us. The kitchen is a bit small, but again, it worked. The apartment was also a little bit dark. We would rent it again, but I could see how some people have other opinions.
Enjoyed Most:
The overall look and feel of the building and the location.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The bathroom was a bit dark.
Surrounding Area:
Cortona is beautiful, and very centrally located.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The town of Cortona.
Tips or Restaurants:
Defintely bring slippers or thick socks for evening as the tile floor gets cold.
Nancy, May, 2001